On politics in the Golden State

Prosecutors seek 97-month prison term for campaign treasurer Durkee

November 26, 2012 | 10:50
am

Federal
prosecutors have recommended that former campaign treasurer Kinde Durkee be
sentenced to 97 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to five counts of
mail fraud involving the theft of more than $7 million in political funds from
50 clients, according to documents released Monday.

Durkee’s victims included U.S. Sen. Dianne
Feinstein; and Democratic Reps. Laura Richardson of Long Beach; Loretta Sanchez
of Garden Grove; Linda T. Sanchez of Lakewood; and Susan A. Davis of San Diego.

"Over the course
of approximately 12 years, the defendant misappropriated millions of dollars
from clients, used the money for her personal and business expenses, and
prepared false campaign disclosure reports to hide the theft," according to a
sentencing memorandum filed by U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner
ahead of a Wednesday sentencing hearing.

Prosecutors said
they hope to report on money that might be recovered for restitution, and
said the recommended sentence of more than eight years was reached in consultation with the probation
office.

"The United
States believes that this is an appropriate sentence under the Sentencing
Guidelines’’ as well as federal law, the prosecutor wrote. "This sentence will reflect the seriousness
of the offense, provide just punishment, and afford adequate deterrence."